The Lagos State Government has introduced updated traffic laws aimed at promoting road safety and discouraging violations.
Contents
Table of Traffic Offences and FinesDetailed Breakdown of Offences and Penalties1. Licensing-Related Offences2. Fake Documentation3. Roadworthiness and Vehicle Standards4. Traffic Rule Violations5. Public Transport-Specific Offences6. BRT Lane and Illegal Bus StopsCommon Offences and Their ImpactEating or Smoking While DrivingDriving Without Full LightAssault on Traffic OfficersSummary Table of Penalties for Quick Reference
These measures, enforced by agencies like LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority), include a detailed list of offences and corresponding fines or penalties.
This article provides an extensive guide to the new traffic offences and their consequences.
Table of Traffic Offences and Fines
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Driving without a driver’s licence | Impound vehicle |
| Driving a vehicle by person under 18 | ₦30,000 |
| Driving with fake number plates | ₦30,000 and 3 years in prison |
| Driving with forged vehicle particulars | 6 months in prison |
| Driving with fake driver’s licence | 6 months in prison |
| Driving without road worthiness | Impound vehicle |
| Driving only yellow | ₦80,000, enforce painting |
| Driving without Hackey permit | Impound vehicle |
| No display of Hackey permit | Impound vehicle |
| Kabu Kabu without permit | Impound vehicle |
| Disobeying LASTMA officer | ₦30,000/Impound vehicle |
| Neglect of traffic direction light | 3 months in prison |
| Smoking while driving | ₦30,000/Impound vehicle |
| Physically assaulting a traffic officer | ₦50,000/6 months in prison |
| Driving without full light | ₦50,000 |
| Driving with worn-out tyre | ₦30,000 |
| Driving without spare tyre | ₦30,000 |
| Driving smoking vehicle | ₦30,000 |
| No fire extinguisher | ₦30,000 |
| Broken windscreen | ₦30,000 |
| Tinted windscreen | ₦30,000 |
| Eating and driving with one hand | 3 months in prison |
| One-way driving | 3 years in prison |
| Driving without fastened seatbelt | ₦30,000 |
| Not painting a commercial vehicle the approved colour | ₦50,000 |
| No car hire service permit | 1st ₦20,000; 2nd ₦30,000, Impound vehicle |
| Parking on yellow line on any public highway/illegal parking | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Vehicle crossing double yellow line/center line | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Staying within the yellow junction box (offside rule) | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Failure to yield to right of way of pedestrians at zebra crossing | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Failure to give way to traffic on the left at a roundabout | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Driving on walkway or kerb | Impound vehicle |
| Reversing on the highway or parking on walkways | ₦50,000 |
| Obstruction of traffic | ₦20,000 |
| Picking/Dropping passengers at an illegal bus stop | ₦50,000 |
| Driving on BRT lanes | ₦70,000 |
Detailed Breakdown of Offences and Penalties
1. Licensing-Related Offences
- Driving without a driver’s licence: Offenders will have their vehicles impounded until a valid licence is presented.
- Driving under the age of 18: A fine of ₦30,000 applies, as driving before the legal age poses significant safety risks.
2. Fake Documentation
- Driving with fake number plates incurs a fine of ₦30,000 and 3 years imprisonment, highlighting the government’s stance on fraud prevention.
- Forged vehicle particulars or fake driver’s licences result in 6 months imprisonment.
3. Roadworthiness and Vehicle Standards
- Vehicles without a valid roadworthiness certificate will be impounded.
- Driving vehicles with worn-out tyres, smoking engines, or broken windscreens will result in fines of ₦30,000 per offence.
- No spare tyre or fire extinguisher also attracts fines of ₦30,000 each.
4. Traffic Rule Violations
- One-way driving is among the most serious offences, punishable by 3 years imprisonment.
- Disobeying LASTMA officers: Offenders face a fine of ₦30,000 or vehicle impoundment.
- Neglecting traffic direction lights leads to 3 months imprisonment.
- Staying in the yellow junction box or crossing a double yellow line incurs fines starting at ₦20,000, increasing to ₦30,000 for repeated offences.
5. Public Transport-Specific Offences
- Kabu Kabu drivers without permits will have their vehicles impounded.
- Commercial vehicles not painted the approved yellow and black color attract a fine of ₦50,000.
6. BRT Lane and Illegal Bus Stops
- Driving on BRT lanes incurs a ₦70,000 fine.
- Picking or dropping passengers at illegal bus stops attracts a ₦50,000 penalty.
Common Offences and Their Impact
Eating or Smoking While Driving
- Eating or driving with one hand can lead to 3 months imprisonment.
- Smoking while driving attracts a ₦30,000 fine, emphasizing the importance of full concentration while on the road.
Driving Without Full Light
- Driving without full light at night not only poses a risk to the driver but also endangers other road users, warranting a ₦50,000 fine.
Assault on Traffic Officers
- Physical assault of a LASTMA officer is punishable by a ₦50,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, reflecting zero tolerance for such actions.
Summary Table of Penalties for Quick Reference
| Category | Example Offences | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Violations | Driving without licence | Vehicle impoundment |
| Documentation Fraud | Fake number plates, driver’s licence | ₦30,000/6 months to 3 years imprisonment |
| Vehicle Standards | Worn-out tyres, no fire extinguisher | ₦30,000 |
| Public Transport Rules | Kabu Kabu without permit, wrong vehicle color | ₦50,000 or vehicle impoundment |
| Road Use Violations | One-way driving, BRT lane violations | ₦70,000/3 years imprisonment |
| Traffic Light Offences | Ignoring signals, yellow box rule | ₦20,000–₦30,000 |
